Name: Stuffing Meatloaf: Genius moist flavor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried sage; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/2 cup chopped carrots; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

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Oh, you are going to LOVE this Stuffing Meatloaf recipe! Seriously, it’s one of those dishes that just screams comfort and deliciousness. I’ve been making meatloaf for ages, and this version, with its hidden layer of savory stuffing, is just pure genius. It takes a classic meatloaf and gives it this incredible burst of flavor and moisture that you just can’t get any other way. Trust me, this Stuffing Meatloaf is a total game-changer for dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffing Meatloaf

This Stuffing Meatloaf is a winner for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.
The combination of meats and seasonings is just divine.
That surprise stuffing layer adds SO much flavor and moisture!
It’s a total crowd-pleaser – picky eaters and adults alike gobble it up.

Perfectly Seasoned Meat Mixture

The base of this meatloaf is pure perfection. We’re talking a hearty mix of ground beef and pork, which gives it that fantastic, rich flavor and satisfying texture. Then, we hit it with the classics: salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. It’s simple, but oh-so-effective at building a delicious foundation.

The Savory Stuffing Layer

But here’s where the magic really happens! That middle layer is packed with goodness. You’ve got tender veggies like celery and carrots, plus sweet ketchup, that tangy Worcestershire sauce, and a little kick from Dijon mustard. It all melds together into this moist, flavorful pocket that takes the whole meatloaf to a whole new level.

Gathering Your Stuffing Meatloaf Ingredients

Alright, let’s get everything ready for our amazing Stuffing Meatloaf! You’ll need a few things for the meat part and then some more goodies for that incredible stuffing layer. Trust me, having everything prepped makes the whole process so much smoother. It’s like setting up your ingredients before painting a masterpiece, but way tastier!

Meat Base Ingredients

For the meatloaf itself, we’re using 1.5 pounds of ground beef and 1 pound of ground pork. This combo is key for richness! Plus, you’ll need 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of milk to bind it all together, and 1 large egg for extra structure.

Stuffing Mixture Ingredients

Now for the star of the show – the stuffing! You’ll need 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Then we add 1/2 cup of chopped celery and 1/2 cup of chopped carrots for a little texture and sweetness. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of green and freshness.

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers

To really make this sing, we’ll use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. For that classic stuffing vibe, grab 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage. And for that amazing sauce flavor in the stuffing layer, you’ll need 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.

How to Prepare Your Delicious Stuffing Meatloaf

Okay, let’s get this amazing Stuffing Meatloaf into the oven! It’s really not complicated, and honestly, the hardest part is just waiting for it to bake because it smells so good. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot so everything cooks evenly.

Preparing the Meat Mixture

Grab a big bowl – you’ll need it! Toss in your ground beef and ground pork. In a separate, smaller bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the milk and let them have a little soak for about five minutes. This makes them nice and soft. Then, add that soaked breadcrumb mixture, your egg, the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage right into the meat bowl. Now, get your hands in there and mix it all up really well. It’s the best way to make sure all those yummy flavors get distributed evenly!

Assembling the Stuffing Meatloaf

Now for the fun part – building our masterpiece! Take about half of that beautifully seasoned meat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your loaf pan. Don’t press too hard, just enough to make a nice, firm base. Then, in another bowl, we’ll whip up that incredible stuffing layer. Just combine the chopped celery, carrots, parsley, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture all over the meat layer. Seriously, smell that? It’s already amazing! Finally, take the rest of your meat mixture and gently spread it over the stuffing layer, pressing the edges to seal everything in. This keeps that yummy stuffing goodness tucked away inside.

Baking and Resting the Stuffing Meatloaf

Into the preheated oven it goes! You’ll want to bake it for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The best way to know it’s done is to use a meat thermometer – you’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Once it hits that magic number, pull it out. Super important step: let it rest for about 10 minutes before you even think about slicing it. This lets all those juices settle back in, making it way more moist and tender. Patience is a virtue, especially when delicious meatloaf is involved!

Tips for Stuffing Meatloaf Success

Making this Stuffing Meatloaf is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely perfect every single time. I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, and these tips really help ensure you get that super moist, flavorful result we’re all after.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

Want it extra moist? Don’t be shy with that milk in the breadcrumb mixture – a little extra splash can make all the difference! Also, make sure you don’t overmix the meat; just combine until everything is incorporated. Overworking it can make the loaf tough, and we definitely don’t want that!

Customizing Your Stuffing Meatloaf

Feel free to play around with the stuffing layer! I sometimes throw in some finely chopped mushrooms or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Dried cranberries or even a bit of crumbled bacon in the stuffing are also fantastic additions if you’re feeling adventurous!

Serving and Storing Your Stuffing Meatloaf

This Stuffing Meatloaf is a star on its own, but it really shines with the right sides! It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole table happy. And don’t worry if you have leftovers, because this meatloaf is just as good, if not better, the next day!

Delicious Serving Pairings

When I serve this, I always go for classic comfort food pairings. Mashed potatoes are a must – they’re perfect for soaking up any extra juices or a bit of gravy. Roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans are also fantastic. A simple side salad adds a nice fresh contrast, too!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Once your Stuffing Meatloaf has cooled down a bit, wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm it up gently in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through. It’s seriously delicious reheated!

Frequently Asked Questions about Stuffing Meatloaf

Got questions about this amazing Stuffing Meatloaf? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those dishes that people always ask about because it’s just so darn good.

Can I use different types of meat for my Stuffing Meatloaf?

Absolutely! While the beef and pork combo is my favorite for richness, you can totally swap in ground turkey or chicken. Just know that leaner meats might need a little extra moisture, so maybe add a tiny bit more milk to the breadcrumbs!

How do I prevent my Stuffing Meatloaf from drying out?

The breadcrumb and milk soak is key, so don’t skip that! Also, make sure you don’t overcook it. Using a meat thermometer to hit that 160°F (71°C) mark is your best bet. And remember to let it rest after baking – that really helps keep it juicy!

What can I serve with Stuffing Meatloaf?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason. Roasted carrots, green beans, or even a simple side salad all pair beautifully. And if you have any extra gravy from your Thanksgiving stuffing, that would be divine!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Stuffing Meatloaf

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate, as things can vary based on the exact ingredients and brands you use. But generally, one slice of this glorious Stuffing Meatloaf will give you around 450 calories, 25g of fat (with 10g saturated), 35g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. It’s hearty, satisfying, and totally worth it!